Rising Islamophobia Endangers Social Harmony, Calls for Unified Global Action: ICESCO

Islamophobia is increasingly threatening social cohesion and requires coordinated international efforts to address, Iqna reported citing a representative from ICESCO.

During the session “Hate Against Muslims in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies,” Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized that Islamophobia is not a new issue but has escalated significantly in both frequency and severity in recent years.

“Addressing Islamophobia is a critical and timely concern. Hostility towards Muslims has long existed, but recently, incidents have become more frequent and intense,” he said, as reported by Azertag on Monday.

Shili highlighted that Islamophobia extends beyond individual prejudice or isolated events. It often manifests structurally, influencing media portrayals, educational settings, cultural narratives, and employment opportunities.

Referencing recent research, he noted that 39% of Muslims have experienced general discrimination, with 35% encountering bias in the workplace and housing sectors. Additionally, 45% of women wearing hijabs reported unfair treatment during hiring processes, and 35% of Muslims faced discrimination within educational institutions.

“These statistics reveal that current efforts are inadequate,” Shili remarked.

He warned that threats and hostile acts are becoming increasingly visible and severe, endangering not only individuals but also the fabric of society.

“In this context, the only effective way forward is through collective action and international collaboration. Combating Islamophobia requires the joint efforts of states, international bodies, civil society, and the media. We must unite to uphold universal values that promote peace and mutual respect.”